Terrane TUP deferred again

Pemberton mayor suggests two parties attempt agreement

For the second time in as many months the Squamish-Lillooet
Regional District (SLRD) has deferred making a decision about Terrane
Construction’s application for a temporary use permit (TUP) for the company’s
topsoil operation.

The facility, which is adjacent to the community of Mt. Currie,
has been the source of controversy for the past two years.

Representatives from both Terrane and the Mt. Currie Band were
on hand at this week’s SLRD meeting.

“What it speaks to me of is that we have a failed
relationship,” Regan said of a letter submitted by the band opposing the
permit. “I have personally made efforts in this relationship to communicate. I
need to make more effort because there’s several issues in this letter that are
combining: one being the quarry operations; one being the topsoil operations.”

Regan provided the board with a history of the topsoil
operation that had its genesis in site preparation for the industrial park. The
wood waste on site, identified as a key component of topsoil, presented an
economic opportunity and Terrane decided to move on it, creating an environmentally
responsible company that would also prove to be a significant First Nations
employer.

“We had one incident, in the very beginning of our operation,
where we brought in manure that smelled,” said Regan.

He outlined the steps the company had taken to solve the
problems that Mt. Currie had sited in previous complaints, the last of which
was tabled in December 2005.

“At the end of the day we are following rules and regulations
that are laid out, there’s a big community benefit, we know of no practices or
hazards coming off this. I must say I feel very frustrated,” said Regan.

Regan said the company could not accept the TUP as written due
to a requirement that the company would have to move all the material from the
site in the event of flooding.

“Moving the material to higher ground would be incredibly
expensive and scientifically unnecessary,” explained Regan, who described the
business as not being hugely profitable.

Mt. Currie Band councillor Lucinda Phillips, who holds the land
use referral portfolio, presented a letter to council opposing the permit.

“The overall concern is the odour,” confirmed Phillips, saying
the letter was self-explanatory.

Squamish Mayor Ian Sutherland suggested removing the clause
regarding material relocation in the event of a flood and granting Terrane the
TUP as the company had complied with all of the SLRD’s recommendations.
Director Raj Khalon was also in support of the application.

Other directors saw the issue differently.

“Much larger issues speak to the relationship,” said Whistler
Councillor Eckhard Zeidler. “Saying ‘We’re doing the best we can, but they
don’t get it’ is a little disrespectful. We need to get to a place where both
sides can discuss this and come to an agreement.”

Susie Gimse, director for Electoral Area C, also spoke out
against issuing the TUP.

“None of us can argue that this is not a much-needed service
for the community, it’s just in the wrong location. It is on Mt. Currie’s
doorstep,” said Gimse. “I am opposing the TUP on the basis that it is not supported
by Mt. Currie.”

Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy, who could see the facility move
into his jurisdiction, admitted that the issue was a quandary but that he was
committed to a win-win situation.

“I value the relationship we have with Mt. Currie, and the
relationship we continue to build. Fundamentally, I think the right thing to do
is to issue this permit. It’s a very challenging position here. I’m wondering
if there’s an opportunity to send the two parties back for a month to attempt
to work out a solution over the course of the next month.”